But yes I advise people to be cautious until a proven track record is shown and that's where reputation comes in.  

It sounds like you're on the right track but starting out I would advise to be very conservative in your numbers.

.- Success track record, creative problem solving, and great eyes for beauty in making ugly place beautiful while not spending a ton of money upgrading.- Since 2002, experience in SFH purchase, buy and hold, remodeling, property management.What gets me going:- Folks with track record in apartment investing to check out my financial model on this deal- Local Chicago Team with proven track record in apartment: contractor /inspector (subcontractor - plumbing, electrical, roof, exterior, interior upgrading), property managementThank You!

Let me know what questions you have and I would happy to see if I can help you get on track to closing your 1st deal. 

I highly recommend Dave Ramsey podcasts helped me so much get my spending habits on track and understand my potential to save money

It usually takes a track record before people will commit to lending money prior to contracting or prior to presenting the deal, most won't ever go there with the average operator, so have your ducks in a row before you ask. 

You'll get much better service than dual agency and it won't cost you anything...

First off, they are misusing the term "pocked listing" as to real estate terms, it's buzz, no big deal, but know a pocket listing is generally illegal by RE Commission regs, where an agent simply holds the listing contract and doesn't actively work it until they come across a potential buyer, they keep the listing in their pocket.I do not advise newbies to use a listing agent to buy, in a dual agency (which was misguided in that video) the listing agent represents the seller not the buyer.

You are definitely on the right track in this business.  

I see a lot of properties that look good but maybe the price it too high or I just don't have the time to look at it but I want to keep track of the property.